What Spotting Between Periods Can Mean

Many women experience spotting between their periods at some point, and it is usually not a cause for concern.

This is a common topic, so I want to explore what might be causing it to help you decide if you need to take any action.

Hormonal birth control is one of the most common causes. If you use the Pill, patches, a coil, rings, or implants, you might notice spotting in the first three months of use.

This is called “breakthrough bleeding,” and it happens because the added hormones can change the lining of your uterus.

Other frequent causes include:

• Fibroids or polyps. These are noncancerous growths in the lining or muscle of the uterus.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)* can lead to irregular periods, spotting, or sometimes no period at all.
• Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia
• An infection of the cervix or lining of your uterus
• Blood clotting disorders, like von Willebrand disease
• Other health conditions, like hypothyroidism, liver disease, or chronic kidney disease

*If you have PCOS, your ovaries don’t release eggs the way they should and the ovaries become enlarged with fluid-filled sacs that surround your eggs. Your body also makes too many male hormones called androgens.

Cancers of the reproductive system include ovarian, uterine and endometrial cancers.

There is an increased risk with age but if you have a family risk, or getting frequent spotting between periods, see the doctor to rule out more serious problems.

Perimenopause means as you get closer to menopause, your periods might be harder to predict.

Your hormone levels change, and the lining of your uterus gets thicker. This can sometimes lead to spotting.

When you need to see your Doctor 

Make an appointment if spotting concerns you, or if you have spotting along with the following symptoms:

• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Fever
• Symptoms that get worse or happen more often
• Any type of vaginal bleeding — including spotting — after you’ve gone through menopause

Spotting is different from persistent bleeding, and any woman with persistent, heavy, or prolonged bleeding should make an appointment to get it checked out.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding may be minor BUT it could signal something more serious or even life-threatening, such as a benign growth like a polyp or fibroid, a bleeding disorder, an infection, or an injury.

It’s rare, but spotting can sometimes be a sign of cancer so be safe and always have your doctor check it out.

 Emergency action needed

Call your doctor or an ambulance if you have unusual vaginal bleeding with:

• Light-headedness
• Fainting
• Skin that appears unusually pale

Helpful information: 

If you are worried about any unusual bleeding, especially after menopause, talk to your doctor.

Keep track of your menstrual cycle, including how long it lasts and how heavy the bleeding is. This information will help your doctor understand your situation.

Women with PCOS or heavy periods can benefit from improving their progesterone levels, and this article will be useful.

https://blog.wellsprings-health.com/pcos-are-you-affected/